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| Using the VSS snapshot wizards with Microsoft SQL | ||
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SFW provides support for taking snapshots of Microsoft SQL databases. FlashSnap integrates with the Microsoft Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) to allow snapshots to be taken of all volumes that are associated with an SQL database without taking the database offline. The VSS Snapshot wizard uses VSS to take snapshots of the database. The VSS process allows the database to be quiesced before the snapshot operation and reactivates it immediately after. The quiescing of the database and guarantees persistent snapshots of the data. A snapshot of a database can be reattached and resynchronized to match the current state of the database with the VSS Snapback wizard.
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Snapshots can only be taken of read-write volumes when VSS is used. The resulting VSS snapshot is read only. The file system label of VSS snapshot volumes cannot be changed. |
SFW also provides a VSS Snapshot Scheduler wizard that can be used as an alternative to the VSS Snapshot wizard and the VSS Snapback wizard. It enables you to set up a schedule for taking the initial snapshots and for automating the snapback refresh process. At the scheduled time for the snapshot, the snapshot volumes are automatically reattached, resynchronized, and then split again. The schedule is maintained by a scheduler service, VxSchedService.exe, that runs in the background.
SFW also provides recovery support for a SQL database. Using the VSS Restore Wizard, the snapshots taken with the VSS Snapshot wizard can be used for a recovery of the database with or without logs.
Refer to the Storage Foundation and High Availability Solutions Solutions Guide for Microsoft SQL for additional information about how to use FlashSnap with Microsoft SQL to perform and to implement recovery procedures.
See Using the VSS Snapshot wizard.
See Using the VSS Snapback wizard.